Idaho Fish and Game has completed wolf control actions in northern Idaho's Lolo elk zone to improve elk survival in the area. Predation on calves and cows is the primary factor limiting recovery of the Lolo elk population.

Ten wolves were killed during the operation, which started in late February. The operation is consistent with Fish and Game's Elk Management Plan and Lolo Predation Management Plan.

The control operation was paid for using Fish and Game license dollars transferred to the Idaho Wolf Depredation Control Board, created by the Idaho Legislature in 2014.

Fish and Game authorizes control actions where wolves are causing conflicts with people or domestic animals, or are a significant, measured factor in deer and elk population declines. Such control actions are consistent with Idaho's 2002 Wolf Conservation and Management Plan approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Idaho Legislature.

Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/press/wolf-control-action-completed-lolo-elk-zone

Volunteers Needed for Wildlife Habitat Restoration


In the summer of 2016, the Mile Marker 14 wildfire roared across Boise River Wildlife Management Area, incinerating 4,000 acres of prime wildlife habitat, which served as critical winter range for more than 6,000 mule deer.

Here’s your chance to help restore what was lost.

Volunteers are needed to jumpstart recovery by planting seedlings in the burned area along State Highway 21 near Lucky Peak Reservoir. On consecutive Saturdays (March 10, 17 and 24) beginning at 9:00am, volunteers will gather at the Mk Nature Center in Boise and caravan to the planting sites. Volunteers can also drive directly to the planting sites if they so choose.

To learn more or register for a planting date, send an e-mail to Fish and Game habitat biologist Michael Young: michael.young@idfg.idaho.gov<mailto:michael.young@idfg.idaho.gov>.

Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/press/volunteers-needed-wildlife-habitat-restoration


Application period for peregrine capture permits is open March 15 through April 15


The 2018 permit application period is open March 15 through April 15. Two permits are available - one statewide permit for either a nestling or recently-fledged juvenile peregrine, and one permit limited to nestling take only in Lemhi and Custer counties or a recently-fledged juvenile peregrine statewide.

Idaho resident falconers must have a master class license to apply, and may apply for either permit, but not both. Successful applicants will be notified by April 25. Successful permit holders must wait two years before applying for another capture permit.

The capture season runs from May 1 to August 31. Here's the application and rules for capturing peregrines<http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/public/hunt/rules/?getPage=67> for falconry.

In January 2016, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission adopted seasons and rules to continue annual capture of up to two nestling or juvenile wild peregrine falcons to be used for falconry.

Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/press/application-period-peregrine-capture-permits-open-march-15-through-april-15


Mountain lion take season closed in Units 66A and 76


The take season for mountain lion has closed in Game Management Units 66A and 76 effective March 8. The 2017-2018 Big Game Regulations states that the mountain lion take season is to be closed when five female mountain lions have been harvested.  The dog training season will remain open in these units through March 31. Hunters will be allowed to keep mountain lions taken prior to this closure and must report them within 5 days of harvest.

As a reminder, the take season for mountain lions closed in units 71, 72, and 74 in southeast Idaho on January 19.  Here is current information <https://idfg.idaho.gov/hunt/harvest-quotas> on whether a quota has been met or the season has been closed for a particular game management unit anywhere in the state.

Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/press/mountain-lion-take-season-closed-units-66a-and-76


Bird identification workshop will be held March 17 in Boise


A free workshop that will help you identify sparrows will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. on March 17 at the MK Nature Center 600 S. Walnut St. in Boise.

Sparrows are “little brown birds” with a reputation for sending beginning birders back to the river to look for ducks, herons, and eagles. However, once you learn a few simple strategies, most sparrows are pretty easy to identify, especially when they are singing and in breeding plumage.

There are 25 species of sparrows seen in Idaho, 21 of which are regularly occurring. During the workshop, you will learn how to identify sparrows using six strategies: Plumage, Song, Habitat, Abundance, Seasonality, and Taxonomy.

Workshop is taught by Terry Rich, who is an avid birder who enjoys helping others (especially beginners) learn about birds and birding. Rich has a bachelor of science in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, an MS in Zoology from Idaho State University, and is currently pursuing a PhD in Public Policy from BSU.

Full story: https://idfg.idaho.gov/press/bird-identification-workshop-will-be-held-march-17-boise